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Published: March 16th 2008
On our Way
Driving to the campsite was quite a process but Diego and i passed the time by taking some very unsafe pictures.First let me start with a quick note to everyone out there. Thank you all for your positive comments and notes on some of my stories. While i may not get the chance to reply to all of them I want you all to know what a joy it is when I log on and see that my blogs are well received. So thank you all and please keep the comments coming. Now without further ado.
Many people have been asking me what the locals do here for fun. Up until a couple weeks ago the only response I could give was..." I have absolutely NO idea!" When i would ask a guy from my team sometimes the response would be in the order of, "Anything you want" or, "Take a tea," but as far as me coercing and invite, all attempts had failed. After about a month of failing to solicit any invites I came to the conclusion that a wardrobe change might help endear me to my teammates. Diego agreed and the search was on to find a traditional Islamic Thob. I was interested to find out that the Thob has no religious implications whatsoever. It's simply a
The Campsite
The site had about 4 tents like this one and a fire pit in the middle. It was fenced on all four sides with any manner of wood and was around 50 feet by 60 feet. style that is considered fashionable here like wearing a cowboy hat in Texas. After feeling like we had done enough research it was time to purchase our new clothes.
Now we could have gone to a tailor or a designer and gotten something really fashionable but for mine and Diego's purposes we figured that the Bahrainy equivalent of TJ Max would do the trick. $12 later we had everything we needed to look like your average pair of 6'4" Muslims.
The unveiling would come at our first team gathering outside of practice or matches. Apparently during the winter months the dessert is nice enough for people to set up semi-permanent tents and go camping. We were to have a team dinner together in one of these tents to celebrate our victory over the second place team the previous week. This information, however, was only gained after a few days of asking the right questions worded just so, that a specific answer could be attained. I have learned that asking a general question like, "What do people do for fun?" will yield vague answers. See above if you are not convinced. After learning this and spending some time in social setting
Royal Treatment
Our outfits were a huge hit with the guys and everyone was taking pictures and making jokes. At least i think they were making jokes. At the very least they were all pointing and laughing. with the guys, if someone were to ask me the question, "What is it that locals in Bahrain do for fun?" I can say with confidence, "They either go camping, take tea, or whatever they want."
It was fun to spend time with everyone in a different context and i think the pictures can do a better job of telling the story than i ever could. Thats all for now.
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Bill Day
non-member comment
Remember, it's about the money$$$$
While you enjoy yourself in the middle-east your pictures tell the $tory very clearly. Can't wait for your return, we spoke with Kaitlin today, she will be joined by Christie and Erin next week to celebrate her 21st. She sounded good and said her stitches didn't hurt much. She is such a great young lady and clearly smitten. Kate and I send our best, stay healthy, bank the bucks and come back soon. Best Regards, Bill